Reversible closure

ABSTRACT

A reversible closure for a wall opening which includes a rectangularly shaped frame member hingedly affixed to a wall and adapted to swing outwardly from the opening for ventilation or egress purposes. A window sash pivotally mounted within the frame member is rotatable about a vertical axis to provide access to the weather side of the sash for cleaning, etc. Resilient weatherproofing material placed around the periphery of the window sash is designed to reduce wiping contact with the frame member during rotation of the window sash.

United States Patent Schacht [451 July 18, 1972 s41 REVERSIBLE CLOSURE2,568,130 9/1951 Olson ..49/163 x [72] Inventor: Louis L. Schacht 205 E.63rd- SL New 2,666,963 1/1954 Kurtz ..49/67 York 1002 PrimaryExaminer-Kenneth Downey [22] Fil d; 22, 1971 Attorney-Natter, Wigman &Natter [21] App]. No.: 117,596 57 ABSTRACT A reversible closure for awall opening which includes a [52] [1.8. 49/ 192, 49/390 rectangularlyshaped frame member hingedly affixed to a wall [51] Int. E02d 15/52 andadapted to swing outwardly from the opening for ventila- [58] Field ofSearch ..49/390, 402, 163, 169, 171, tion or egress purposes. A windowsash pivotally mounted 49/168, 62, 67, 192 within the frame member isrotatable about a vertical axis to provide access to the weather side ofthe sash for cleaning, etc. 5 References cu Resilient weatherproofingmaterial placed around the periphery of the window sash is designed toreduce wiping UNITED STATES PATENTS contact with the frame member duringrotation of the window h. 2,758,344 8/1956 Williams ..49/39'0 X Sas2,093,727 9/1937 Julien ..49/62 10 Claim, 9 Drawing Figures 1 I4 11 1 2e1 r 24 lo 1 28 i m I 1 l 52 lulu I l i r l l8 i i 7a 48 1 i 46 I l r 1'1 "i I ,1, i

PATENTED JUL 1 8 I972 'SHEET 10F4 INVENTOR LOUIS L. SCHACHT M,%MD%-ATTORNEYS PATENTED JUL! 81972 SHEET 2 BF 4 FIG. 3

FIG.4

INVENTOR LOUIS L. SCHACHT ATTORNEYS PmmEuJuuamz 3.675955 SHEET [1F 4INVENTOR LOUIS L. SCHACHT ATTORNEYS REVERSIBLE CLOSURE BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION This invention relates to closures and in particular to afenestration or window device.

The invention is further directed to a casement type window devicehaving means for reversing same to provide access to the exterior orweather side of the window from within a build- The reversible closureof this invention comprises an improvement over a previous closure ofthe same inventor described in U. S. Pat. No. 3,381,413.

The instant invention has distinct features and advantages over thepreviously patented closure, and in contrast thereto, specificallyprovides for a structurally strengthened or reinforced swingable framemember for supporting a window sash. The so improved frame memberprovides a rigid truss" type structure and as compared to the formerlyused pair of horizontal bars or parallel arms, has the important andconcurrent advantage of being able to support or accommodate a muchheavier or larger sized window sash and will accordingly be able tosustain an increased wind load directed against the window sash.Furthermore, the combined efi'ect of modified extruded aluminum channelmembers allows for a proportional reduction in the cross-sectionaldimensions and weight of the structural supporting members and acorresponding reduction in the resultant moment on the pivotal or hingedconnection to the framed window opening.

Another factor which should be considered and was influential indetermining this new design is the fabrication costs. It was extremelyimportant that the previous closure have opposed horizontal window sashsupporting arms in proper parallel alignment so that the window framecould freely rotate relative to the framed opening and the window sashcould rotate relative to the horizontal supporting arms. Thisnecessitated a rather time consuming and expensive fabrication operationwhich to a large degree depended on the skill of experienced craftsmen.The present closure can however be mass manufactured at a lower cost,using more expedient methods and the frame member can, for example, beextruded from aluminum and easily assembled.

Another advancement in the present closure device relates to the use ofimproved weatherproofing strip material. A resilient weatherproofingmaterial placed peripherally around the window sash is designed tomaintain a window pane securely within the sash and also to provide awind and water seal when compressed against the frame portion of thewindow opening. A problem encountered with the previously used edgeweather stripping was that after repeated usage and the continualopening and reversing of the window device and concurrent compression ofthe weatherproofing, it eventually bulged or expanded partially beyondthe outer periphery of the window sash and became permanently deformed.As a result of this deformation, wiping contact or frictional resistanceincreased due to the weatherproofing material contacting the framemember as the window sash was rotated. This caused a rapid deteriorationof the weatherproofing material and resultant wind and water leakage.The improved weatherproofing as used in the present invention is made ofresilient rubber-like material such as neoprene which is provided withan incurvation or concavity and is affixed to the window sash so thatwhen it is compressed the material is forced into the concavity ratherthan deforming outwardly and thereby eliminates the previously describeddisadvantages while providing a weather tight seal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly, the invention involves an improvedreversible closure device for a wall opening. A substantiallyrectangular frame member is pivotally hinged and attached to the wallalong one side of the wall opening. The frame member is designed tosupport a window sash therein, and is particularly adapted to be swungoutwardly from a closed position adjacent the wall for ventilationpurposes and/or emergency egress. Handle means are provided forcontrolling and maintaining the frame member in a partially openventilation position and locking means are also included to secure theframe member in a closed position.

The window sash is pivotally mounted for rotation about a vertical axisw hen the frame member has been swung suffrciently outward away from thewall so that the window sash does not cross the window sill or interferewith drapes, blinds, etc. The orientation of the window sash when thusreversed will provide access to the exterior or weather side forcleaning or repairing. A resilient sealing gasket or stripweatherproofing material is placed around the periphery of the windowsash to prevent wind and water leaks when the frame member is in theclosed position. This weatherproofing material is also specially formedto maintain the required clearance from the frame member, thus avoidingwiping contact during rotation and resultant deterioration of theweatherproofing.

It is an object therefore of this invention to provide an improvedreversible closure device of the general character described hereinwhich is not subject to the aforementioned disadvantages.

Specifically, it is an object of the instant invention to provide areversible closure device incorporating a substantially four-sided framemember adapted to be swung outwardly from a wall opening.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a reversibleclosure including handle means for controlling and maintaining the framemember in a partially open position.

Another object of this invention is to provide a reversible closureincluding a window sash maintained within the frame member and adoptedfor rotation about a vertical axis.

Another object of this invention is to provide a reversible closurecomprising improved weatherproofing means.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will be apparent from the following description of thepreferred embodiment when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings.

In the accompanying drawings in which are shown some of the variouspossible embodiments of the invention:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reversible closure showing a framemember swung outwardly from a wall and a window sash within the framemember in a partially rotated position;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the reversible closure shown in aclosed position;

FIG. 3 is a sectional plan view and shows schematically the frame.member in the closed, ventilation and egress positions;

FIG. 4 is a sectional plan view and shows schematically the frame memberin the closed and open position with the window sash rotationallydisplaced;

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional plan view through the frame member andwindow sash and shows the position assumed by the window sash when fullyreversed;

FIG. 6 is a sectional plan view through the frame member and window sashand shows the normally closed position wherein the resilient sealingmeans is compressed against the frame portion surrounding the windowopening;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 2and shows the pivotal connection between the window sash and the framemember;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 2 and shows thepivotal connection between the window sash and the frame member; and

FIG. 9 is an auxiliary view taken along line 9--9 in FIG. 6 and showsthe pivotally locking bar in the locked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now in detail to thedrawings, the reference numeral 10 denotes generally the reversibleclosure of this invention. The reversible closure 10 is adapted to beaccommodated within a wall opening 12. The wall opening 12 is bounded bya stationary frame 14. The frame 14 is comprised generally of twoparallel vertical jambs 16 and 18 connected by cross members such as asoffit member 20 and a window sill 22. The reversible closure furtherincludes a swingable frame member 24 which supports a rotatable windowsash 26. The swingable frame member 24 has a generally rectangular shapeas shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and is preferably fabricated with an upperchannel member 28, and a lower channel member 30 which are parallel andstructually reinforced at their opposed ends by vertical connecting rods32 and 34. The rods 32 and 34 are bolted, welded or otherwise securelyattached to the channel members 28 and 30 to form a rigid truss-like"structure. The rod 34 also serves as a swinging or hinging post. Forthis purpose, the opposite ends of rod 34 are journalled within recessesor pockets 36 and 38 formed in respective anchor blocks 40 and 42. Eachof the respective anchor blocks 40 and 42 is welded or otherwise affixedto the stationary frame [4. It should be apparent that the frame member24 along with the window sash 26 can be swung outwardly from the wallopening 12 as a unit. The upper channel member 28 and lower channelmember 30 may preferably be fabricated from extruded aluminum, howeverstainless steel or other material may be used; rods 32 and 34 also maybe constructed of aluminum, steel, etc.

A vertical shield member or plate 44 can be attached to the upper andlower channel members 28 and 30 so as to cover or protect the rod 32.Similarly, a shield member 46 may be attached to the jamb 16 ofstationary frame 14 and adjacent rod 34. The shield member 46 does notcontact the upper and lower channel members 28 and 30 and will remain inthis fixed position when the frame 24 is swung outwardly withoutinterfering with the movement of frame member 24. The shield member 46also acts as a means for holding the window sash 26 firmly against theframe 14 and for this purpose is fabricated of a resilient or springymetallic material; the manner of operation will be further describedherein. The shield members 44 and 46 are further utilized to preventdirt or other foreign matter from becoming lodged or embedded around therods 32 and 34 and additionally will provide an aesthetically pleasingappearance to the swingable frame 24.

The rotatable window sash 26 is comprised of vertical framing members orstiles 48 and 50 interconnected at their opposed ends by horizontalframing members or a top rail 52 and a bottom rail 54. A glass window,plate or pane 56 which may be thermal insulating glass or otherspecially treated glass, is secured within the window sash 26 and asshown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is held between flange 58 which extends inwardlyfrom the exterior ends of stiles 48 and 50 and rails 52 and 54, and acircumferential spacer block 60 attached to these members. A cushion orfiller material 62 is placed around the peripheral edges of the glasspane 56 to provide a tight or snug fit. The interior ends of stiles 48and 50 as well as the rails 52 and 54 are provided with a recessed edge64 adapted for the securement of a weatherproofing strip material 66which may be adhesively affixed, frictionally attached or otherwisepositioned thereon. The weatherproofing material 66 when in place willalso aid in securing the glass 56. The weatherproofing material 66 willadditionally provide a water and wind seal when the frame 24 is closedas shown in FIG. 6. A longitudinal concavity 68 is provided in theweatherproofing material 66 so that when it is compressed against frame14, there will be less of a tendency to permanently deform outwardly andinterfere with rotation of the window sash 26. In furtherance of thispurpose, the recessed edge 64 provides a partial barrier which passesthrough a portion of the weatherproofing material 66 to confine the massor bulk of the material 66 and to restrain the outward deformation alongthe periphery of the window sash 26.

The locking system is comprised of a pivotal locking bar 70 which ismounted on a bolt 72 extending from angle member 76 afiixed to frame 14.The locking bar 70 is adapted to be rotated about bolt 72 so as toengage a locking pin 74 attached to stile 48. The locking bar 70 willthereby releasably secure the window sash 26 and will selectively holdthe swingable frame 24 in the closed position as shown in FIG. 6. Aplurality of locking bars spaced vertically along angle member 76 may beemployed and mechanically interconnected for synchronous movement. Thiswill be particularly effective for locking window sashes over six feetin height. The locking bar 70, as shown, is located along one side ofthe sash 26. In order to insure that the other side of the sash 26 isfirmly held against frame 14, the stile 50 is provided with a protrudinglip 49 which is designed to be engaged under the shield 46 as shown inFIG. 6. In order to place the lip 49 under the shield 46, the sash 26 isrotated when the frame 24 is in the open position and oriented so thatthe side of sash 26 having the lip 49 is the leading edge as the frame24 is moved toward the closed position. The lip 49 can thus be slidunder shield 46 with the exertion of a minimum amount of force, and theresilient shield 46 will firmly hold and compress the weatherproofingmaterial 66 against the frame 14. It should also be noted at this pointthat when the frame 24 is in the open position, stop means are providedto prevent the frame 24 from rotating a full 180 and causing possibledamage to the sash 26. The stop means comprises a projection or tab 17on.jamb 16 of the frame 14 adapted for abutting engagement with theframe 24 after it has been rotated approximately 90 to the open position(see FIG. 3).

The combination of a frictional latch 77 together with a hand grip 78,which is attached to the weather or outer side of the sash 26, providesa means for turning the sash 26 about a vertical axis and for securingsame in a reversed position. For this purpose, hand grip 78 is providedwith a projection 79 adapted to be engaged by the latch 77 which ispivotally mounted to angle member 76 and spaced from locking bar 70. Thelatch 77 is shaped similar to locking bar 77 and functions in the samemanner as previously described.

A push-pull handle 80 is pinned to the spacer block 60 by means of ayoke 82 which is adapted to be rotated in one plane and to pivotallyreceive a tab portion 84 extending from one end of a shaft 86 andadapted to be rotated in another plane so that the shaft 86 can thus besimultaneously rotated in two planes when moving the frame 24 to an openposition. The other end of the shaft 86 has a hook portion 88 forengaging the jamb 16 or window sill 22 so as to maintain the swingableframe 24 in various open positions.

The rotatable window sash 26 is mounted within the frame 24 by means ofpivotal connections 89 and 91 typically shown in FIG. 2 and in sectionalviews in FIGS. 7 and 8. The lower pivotal connection 89 is comprised ofa pivot bolt passing through the lower channel 30 and bottom rail 54 andis provided with a bushing 92 interposed therebetween. The upper pivotalconnection 91 similarly has a pivot bolt 94 and bushing 96. However, thepivot bolt 94 is anchored to a block 98, preferably wood, such as oak,and a sealing gasket is clamped between block 98 and upper channel 28.The gasket 100 prevents entry of water between the soffit member 20 andthe top rail 28.

In operation, the reversible closure 10 is normally in a closed positionand may be opened by means of push-pull handle 80 for ventilation oremergency egress such as in the event of fire, etc. As illustrated inFIG. 3 the swingable frame 24 and window sash 26 may be moved outwardlyand maintained in an open position by the handle 80. Furthermore, thewindow sash 26 may be rotated as shown in FIG. 4 without passing insideor across the window sill 22, and reversed as for cleaning or repairingof the glass pane S6. The window sash 26 may temporarily be held in thisreversed position as shown in FIG. 5 by means of grip 78.

It should be noted that the above cited embodiments are intended asexemplary and while they have described the invention with specificimplementation thereof, other modifications and changes may be made inthe embodiment so set forth and will be apparent to those skilled in theart.

Furthermore, it should be understood that all material herein describedor shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted asillustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

l. A reversible closure apparatus for a wall opening comprising astationary frame surrounding said opening, a swingable frame memberhingedly attached to the stationary frame along a vertical side of theopening, said swingable frame member having at least three sides, awindow sash having an exterior face and an interior face, pivot meansfor mounting the window sash for rotation about a vertical axis to areversed position within the swingable frame member, sealing meansprovided around the periphery of the window sash on the interior facethereof including a resilient material adapted for compression againstthe stationary frame, confinement means for reducing interference duringrotation, handle means for displacing the swingable frame memberoutwardly from the wall opening, stop means for limiting maximumdisplacement of the swingable frame member, locking means for securingthe swingable frame member in a closed position with the window sash insealing engagement with the stationary frame, and latch means forsecuring the swingable frame member in a closed position with the windowsash in the reversed position whereby the window sash remains outside ofthe wall opening during rotation to or from the reversed position.

2. A reversible closure apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein thesealing means comprises resilient weatherproofing material provided witha longitudinal concavity for controlling the outward deformation undercompression and for reducing interference between the swingable framemember and the window sash.

3. A reversible closure apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the stopmeans comprises a projection from the stationary frame adapted forabutting engagement with the swingable frame member after it has beendisplaced to the maximum open position.

4. A reversible closure apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein theinterior face of the rotatable window sash is provided with a recessededge for accommodating the weatherproofing material, said recessed edgeforming a partial barrier for restraining outward deformation along theperiphery of the rotatable window sash.

5. A reversible closure appratus as claimed in claim 1 wherein thelocking means includes a locking pin extending into the interior face ofthe window sash, and a pivotal locking bar attached to the stationaryframe and adapted for locking engagement with the pin.

6. A reversible closure apparatus as claimed in claim 1 furtherincluding hand grip means extending from the exterior face of the windowsash for rotating the sash, said grip means further including aprojection adapted to be lockingly engaged by the latch when the windowsash is in the reversed position.

7. A reversible closure apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein thehandle means for displacing the swingable frame member includes a shaftpivotally attached to the window sash, said shaft being provided withmeans for engaging the stationary frame to selectively maintain theswingable frame in an open position.

8. A reversible closure apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein theswingable frame member is comprised of two horizontal spaced channelmembers, connected at opposed ends by means of two vertical rods,thereby forming a four sided frame member, and one of said rods has itsopposed ends journalled to the stationary frame to permit swingabledisplacement of the frame member.

9. A reversible closure as claimed in claim 8 including a resilientshield member attached to the stationary frame, said shield member beingspaced from the journalled rod, a lip portion extending from a side ofthe window sash confronting said shield member, said lip being adaptedfor placement between the shield member and journalled rod when theswingable frame member is in the closed position whereby the shieldmember will exert a force tending to compress the weatherproofingmaterial.

10. A reversible closure apparatus as claimed in claim 9 furtherincluding a sealing gasket interposed between an upper edge of theswingable frame member and the stationary frame.

1. A reversible closure apparatus for a wall opening comprising astationary frame surrounding said opening, a swingable frame memberhingedly attached to the stationary frame along a vertical side of theopening, said swingable frame member having at least three sides, awindow sash having an exterior face and an interior face, pivot meansfor mounting the window sash for rotation about a vertical axis to areversed position within the swingable frame member, sealing meansprovided around the periphery of the window sash on the interior facethereof including a resilient material adapted for compression againstthe stationary frame, confinement means for reducing interference duringrotation, handle means for displacing the swingable frame memberoutwardly from the wall opening, stop means for limiting maximumdisplacement of the swingable frame member, locking means for securingthe swingable frame member in a closed position with the window sash insealing engagement with the stationary frame, and latch means forsecuring the swingable frame member in a closed position with the windowsash in the reversed position whereby the window sash remains outside ofthe wall opening during rotation to or from the reversed position.
 2. Areversible closure apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sealingmeans comprises resilient weatherproofing material provided with alongitudinal concavity for controlling the outward deformation undercompression and for reducing interference between the swingable framemember and the window sash.
 3. A reversible closure apparatus as claimedin claim 1 wherein the stop means comprises a projection from thestationary frame adapted for abutting engagement with the swingableframe member after it has been displaced to the maximum open position.4. A reversible closure apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein theinterior face of the rotatable window sash is provided with a recessededge for accommodating the weatherproofing material, said recessed edgeforming a partial barrier for restraining outward deformation along theperiphery of the rotatable window sash.
 5. A reversible closure appratusas claimed in claim 1 wherein the locking means includes a locking pinextending into the interior face of the window sash, and a pivotallocking bar attached to the stationary frame and adapted for lockingengagement with the pin.
 6. A reversible closure apparatus as claimed inclaim 1 fUrther including hand grip means extending from the exteriorface of the window sash for rotating the sash, said grip means furtherincluding a projection adapted to be lockingly engaged by the latch whenthe window sash is in the reversed position.
 7. A reversible closureapparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the handle means for displacingthe swingable frame member includes a shaft pivotally attached to thewindow sash, said shaft being provided with means for engaging thestationary frame to selectively maintain the swingable frame in an openposition.
 8. A reversible closure apparatus as claimed in claim 1wherein the swingable frame member is comprised of two horizontal spacedchannel members, connected at opposed ends by means of two verticalrods, thereby forming a four sided frame member, and one of said rodshas its opposed ends journalled to the stationary frame to permitswingable displacement of the frame member.
 9. A reversible closure asclaimed in claim 8 including a resilient shield member attached to thestationary frame, said shield member being spaced from the journalledrod, a lip portion extending from a side of the window sash confrontingsaid shield member, said lip being adapted for placement between theshield member and journalled rod when the swingable frame member is inthe closed position whereby the shield member will exert a force tendingto compress the weatherproofing material.
 10. A reversible closureapparatus as claimed in claim 9 further including a sealing gasketinterposed between an upper edge of the swingable frame member and thestationary frame.